Max Leonard celebrates scoring the winner for AFC Emley in the 2-1 win over Eccleshill United
Promotion-chasing AFC Emley took full advantage of their main rivals slipping up by coming from behind to beat Eccleshill United 2-1 at the Welfare Ground.
The Toolstation NCEL Division One leaders now have a three point lead after Pontefract Collieries drew at Bottesford United and Clipstone lost at Penistone Church.
It was far from a classic at Emley, but at this stage of the season it doesn’t matter how three points are won.
Emley finished nervously, minutes after Paul Sykes spurned the chance to wrap the game up from the penalty spot.
The game wasn’t helped by an inconsistent display from referee Lee Freeman and his assistants, who were loudly booed off the field at the end.
Freeman somehow managed to show seven yellow cards between the two sides, but failed to deal with the two worst challenges in the game.
Eccleshill’s physio also had his name taken late on.
Ash Flynn heads AFC Emley level
Eccles hill United prepare for Leonard’s free kick
But, Joseph Demartino at the near post
All the main action happened in an explosion of goals inside a ten minute period early in the game.
Eccleshill scored from their first real attack. Dangerous striker Marcus Edwards got behind Emley captain Sykes for the only time in the game and supplied Josh Rosenstraugh.
Sam Jerome got back, but was deemed to have fouled the midfielder so the penalty was awarded. Edwards sent Adam Lawlor the wrong way from the spot.
Emley responded straightaway with Max Leonard’s fluke cross being headed home by Ash Flynn from outside the six-yard box.
Leonard then struck a powerful free kick from 30-yards past the Eccleshill wall and goalkeeper Joseph Dermartino and found the bottom corner.
Josh Ingham looks to create an attack for AFC Emley
AFC Emley manager Darren Hepworth said his side did enough to win the game
James Voissey was harshly deemed to have fouled Ruben Jerome late on for the Emley penalty
Something funny?: One of Lee Freeman’s assistants laugh as the trio prepare to walk through the chorus of boos after a poor performance
That was proved to be the winner as the second half turned into a non-event.
Chances were few and far between and the action only livened-up for the final few minutes.
Emley, whilst trying to finish Eccleshill off, won the penalty. Eccleshill full-back James Voissey clearly won the ball when tackling substitute Ruben Jerome, but referee Freeman pointed to the spot.
Justice was done when Demartino guessed the right way and saved Sykes’ weak attempt.
That gave Eccleshill another life and Edwards nearly made them pay in the dying seconds.
The usually reliable striker missed a sitter at the back-post by putting a header wide from close range.
AFC Emley manager Darren Hepworth:
“I thought we started really well.
“We took the game to them and the penalty was against the run of play from our own mistake.
“We didn’t clear our lines and they broke and got the penalty.
“The players responded brilliantly and they showed some real character which they have done time and time again this season.
“We didn’t settle for it in the second half. It was a strange game because I expected them to press more than they did.
“We contained them and it was about just doing enough. We could have done with Skip (Paul Sykes) scoring the penalty at the end because it would have made a easier last five minutes.”
AFC Emley: Lawlor, Brook, Starkey, Ingham, S Jerome, Sykes (captain), Leech, Leonard (Scrivens 94), Flynn (Kenworthy 72), Tunnacliffe, Jordan (R Jerome 72). Sub unused: Truelove.
Eccleshill United: Demartino, Voissey, Queerie, Springer, Conde, Storr, Rosenstraugh, Burrus, Edwards, Rivera (Wolverton 79), Flaherty (captain). Subs unused: Novotny, McKeown, Price, Cook.
Referee: Lee Freeman
Ref Rating: 5/10
Attendance: 107
Man of the match: Josh Ingham (AFC Emley)